We are about to enter 2026, and many friends are asking me, 'Which tracks should we focus on next year?' As a senior analyst, I strategically plan the core tracks for the next year in advance, with an accuracy rate of over 80%. The stablecoin and Ethereum Layer 2 network tracks I focused on in 2025 have both exceeded 50% returns. Today, I will share the three major tracks worth focusing on in 2026, which have already attracted a large influx of institutional funds and have limitless potential.
The first track: RWA (Real World Asset Tokenization). I have analyzed this track in detail before, and now institutional investments are becoming increasingly concentrated. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink called tokenization 'the greatest invention since the double-entry bookkeeping.' Financial giants like JPMorgan and Citigroup are actively investing in RWA projects. By 2026, with the further improvement of the regulatory framework, the RWA track may experience explosive growth. Institutions predict that by the end of 2026, the market size of RWA may exceed one trillion dollars.
The second track: Ethereum layer 2 network. The high transaction fee issue of the Ethereum mainnet remains the biggest bottleneck for its development, while layer 2 networks are the best solution to this problem. The user base and transaction volume of layer 2 networks like Arbitrum and Optimism are continuously growing. Data from a16z shows that Ethereum layer 2 networks have become one of the preferred destinations for new developers. In 2026, as more DeFi and NFT projects migrate to layer 2 networks, the value of layer 2 networks will further increase.
The third track: AI + crypto. The combination of AI and crypto is one of the hottest topics in 2025 and one of the most anticipated tracks in 2026. AI can enhance blockchain performance, optimize trading strategies, and improve security, while blockchain can provide data privacy protection and decentralized computing resources for AI. Many institutions have begun to layout AI + crypto projects, such as platforms using AI for market prediction and AI-driven DeFi protocols. In 2026, this track may see multiple blockbuster projects.
How should retail investors layout these three major tracks? I have summarized three practical strategies.
First, the combination of 'core assets + segmented tracks'. For example, when laying out the RWA track, you can hold both leading RWA projects and related infrastructure projects; when laying out the layer 2 network, you can hold Ethereum and leading layer 2 network projects.
Second, small and diversified investments. Since these tracks are still in the early stages and are highly volatile, do not invest too much capital; it is recommended to invest 10%-15% of total assets in each track.
Third, closely monitor institutional capital flows. Check the transfer records of institutional wallets via blockchain explorers and layout according to the footsteps of institutions.
Many people ask me, 'Which of these tracks is the most profitable?' My answer is: there is no most profitable track, only the track that is most suitable for oneself. If you pursue stability, you can choose RWA and layer 2 networks; if you pursue high returns, you can choose AI + crypto. I will share specific project analyses for each track later, follow me @链上标哥 to avoid getting lost! I will help you seize the profit opportunities of 2026.
